SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Two Syracuse University students suspended over fraternity videos that surfaced in spring have re-enrolled in classes after getting an order from a judge.

Eighteen members of the Theta Tau fraternity were suspended from school this spring after videos leaked showing them acting out racist, sexist, anti-Semitic parody skits.

Several of the students filed a federal lawsuit in the weeks after they were kicked off campus. So far, they haven't gotten any relief in that case: A judge declined to force SU to remove markings from the students' transcripts that indicated they were facing discipline. Lawyers for the students have said that's made it difficult for them to attend other schools.

Earlier this month, 10 of the students filed a separate state lawsuit in Jefferson County. Supreme Court Judge James McClusky agreed this week to hear arguments in the case, lending some potential merit to the students' allegations that SU didn't follow its own procedures for discipline.

McClusky's order also instructed SU to allow the 10 suspended students to "retain all of the rights and privileges guaranteed to matriculated students and members of the Syracuse University community."

In court papers filed today, a lawyer for SU said two of the students have already re-enrolled in classes. Attorneys for the students said all of the other students involved in the lawsuits would also consider returning.

The judge's order is temporary. He will decide later this month if SU actually violated any of its own policies, and whether the suspensions should be overturned.

SU has turned to the federal courts for help. College officials accused the students of "forum shopping." General Counsel Daniel French wrote that returning the students to campus undermines the university's ability to "both protect and regulate its student body."

French said the students' return "will create administrative and reputational chaos on campus."

An SU spokeswoman for the university said she could not comment on the status of any particular students due to privacy laws.

"Syracuse University is engaged in active litigation and will continue to seek to stay the state order," Dara Royer, senior vice president and chief communication officer, said.

Read our continuing coverage of Theta Tau's expulsion

Public Affairs Reporter Julie McMahon covers courts, government and other issues affecting taxpayers. She can be reached anytime: Email | Twitter | 315-412-1992